Can being overweight cause a heart attack?

As a health professional with expertise in cardiovascular health, I can provide you with an informed perspective on the relationship between being overweight and the risk of heart attack. Being overweight and obesity are indeed associated with an increased risk of heart attack. The excess weight can lead to a number of health issues that are risk factors for heart attack: 1. High blood pressure: Overweight individuals often have higher blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. 2. Increased cholesterol: Excess weight can lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL), contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries. 3. High blood sugar: Obesity is a common cause of insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar and eventually type 2 diabetes. Both conditions increase the risk of heart attack. 4. Heart disease: The combination of these factors can lead to the development of heart disease, where the heart doesn't function as well as it should, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack. In summary, while being overweight does not directly cause a heart attack, it significantly increases the risk of developing conditions that are known to lead to heart attacks. It's important for individuals who are overweight to work with healthcare providers to manage their weight and associated health risks.

Overweight and obesity are known to increase blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. Excess weight also increases your chances of developing other problems linked to strokes, including high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and heart disease.